Economy
NFSS: Senate Vows Quick Passage Of Forest Security Service Bill
NFSS: Senate Vows Quick Passage Of Forest Security Service Bill
NFSS: Senate vows quick passage of forest security service bill. He commended the leadership of NFSS under Mr Osatimehin for successes its operatives had recorded across the country.
The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, says the upper chamber will address the issue of the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) Bill to ensure its passage into law without further delay.
Mr Jibrin stated this when the commander-general of NFSS, Joshua Osatimehin, and a team of top officers of the service visited him in Abuja.
He said that Nigeria urgently needed the services of NFSS in its efforts to rid the country of banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and related crimes usually perpetrated within the forests.
He commended the leadership of NFSS under Mr Osatimehin for successes its operatives had recorded across the country.
Mr Jibrin said the bill, when passed into law, would enable NFSS to fully complement other security agencies like the military, police, office of the national security adviser and the State Security Service in tackling insecurity.
“We want to appreciate you and your officers and men for what you are doing so far.
“The contributions you are making in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and related crimes, has helped the country a lot.
“It is, therefore, easy to understand that signing of the Nigeria Forest Security Service Bill into law will enable you to do more.” he said.
He said it is important to have a fully funded and well-equipped service dedicated to manning the forests which would not allow criminals to operate within them.
The deputy senate president said that activities of the NFSS would benefit Nigeria, and pledged to ensure the bill establishing the service was signed soonest before the Senate’s recess.
Earlier, the NFSS commander-general said the visit was to consult and brief the deputy senate president on the need for the bill to be signed into law soonest.
Mr Osatimehin said NFSS operatives had begun complimenting other security agencies, especially in intelligence gathering and sharing with security agencies as well as arrest and handover of criminals.
He said the service had contributed immensely to the successes recorded in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.
According to him, NFSS has established functional command and control offices in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory with thousands of operatives recruited and deployed.
Mr Osatimehin said the NFSS law would boost the morale of its officers and men.
He said the staff had already been proving their capacity to execute their responsibilities, with the training received from several security agencies.
Senate
The deputy commander-general in charge of Intelligence, John Metchie, in his remarks, thanked Mr Jibrin for pledging to ensure quick passage of the NFSS bill.
Mr Metchie, also the African director, International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), commended the National Assembly for supporting the NFSS bill.
He urged the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other critical stakeholders to collaborate and ensure that President Bola Tinubu signed the NFSS bill.
He said it would add value to the collective efforts to secure the forested and ungoverned areas of Nigeria.
EFCC Arraigned Woman In Borno Over Alleged N6.8m Romance Scam
EFCC arraigned woman in Borno over alleged N6.8m romance scam. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Catherine Ijeoma Ugwu before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, over allegations of a N6.8 million fraud.
Ugwu was charged on Monday, March 17, 2025, in connection with a romance scam in which she allegedly deceived a victim, Emmanuel Ani, by posing as his fiancée, “Miss Chinansa.”
The EFCC filed a four-count charge against her, including obtaining by false pretence, criminal misappropriation, and impersonation.
According to the anti-graft agency, between June 2023 and August 2024, Ugwu fraudulently obtained N6,710,300 from Ani under the guise of supporting his supposed fiancée.
Upon hearing the charges, Ugwu pleaded not guilty.
Court Remands Ugwu, Trial Set for April 8
EFCC Arraigned Woman
Following her plea, prosecution counsel S.O. Saka and Faruku Muhammad urged the court to set a trial date and remand the defendant in a correctional facility. Justice Kumaliya granted the request, adjourning the trial until April 8, 2025.
The EFCC disclosed that Ugwu failed to return or account for the money when confronted by the petitioner.
The commission reiterated its commitment to tackling financial crimes, particularly scams involving deception and impersonation.
Government Directs Verification Of March Salaries Before Payment In Kano
Government directs verification of March salaries before payment in Kano. The Kano State Government has mandated civil servants to verify their March salaries before disbursement.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Faruk Umar Ibrahim, announced the directive on Monday, citing concerns over deductions and irregularities in January and February salaries.
“To ensure transparency and fairness, all civil servants must confirm their salary details through their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and report any discrepancies,” Ibrahim stated.
Salary lists will be displayed at key locations within MDAs and all 44 local government secretariats to facilitate the process.
A committee, led by Head of Service Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, has been set up to oversee the verification and expedite payments.
Kano State
Acknowledging the approaching Eid-el-Fitr celebration, Ibrahim assured workers that efforts were underway to ensure timely salary payments.
He also emphasized that the exercise would not disrupt government operations.
PUMA Replaces Nike as Premier League’s Official Ball Supplier In 2025/26 Season
PUMA replaces Nike as premier league’s official ball supplier in 2025/26 season. Global sportswear brand PUMA has secured a major deal with the Premier League, becoming its Official Ball Supplier starting from the 2025/26 season.
Announced on Monday, this partnership sees PUMA take over from Nike, which has supplied match balls for the league for over two decades.
The agreement will not only place PUMA’s ball at the heart of every Premier League match but also involve collaborations on grassroots programs, high-profile marketing campaigns, and events like the Premier League Summer Series in the U.S.
PUMA CEO Arne Freundt described the deal as a significant step in the company’s efforts to elevate its brand in elite football.
“With PUMA’s ball at the center of attention during every match, we will create unforgettable moments for players and fans alike,” he said.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters welcomed the partnership, emphasizing PUMA’s strong history in football and its alignment with the league’s values.
PUMA Replaces Nike
“We are delighted to welcome PUMA as the Official Ball Supplier of the Premier League. Their global reach and commitment to excellence will help inspire fans worldwide,” Masters stated.
With this landmark deal, PUMA expands its influence in top-tier football, strengthening its presence in the world’s most-watched league.
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